1. Start with basics like sit, stay, come and heel:
Training your pup on basic commands is essential in order to set good behavioral foundations. 'Sit' can be trained by holding a treat above the pup's head so it looks up at you and naturally sits down. 'Stay' requires the pup to remain seated until given further instruction. 'Come' requires the pup to come to you when called and 'Heel' is teaching them to stay close to your side while walking on a leash.
2. Make sure pup is comfortable walking on a leash:
Walking your pooch on a leash helps teach them better discipline, as well as keeps them safe in public places. It’s important that your pup understands how to properly walk on a leash without pulling or yanking too hard, so begin by showing him that it isn't something to fear. Start with short walks around the block and reward your pup for good behavior with treats or verbal praise.
3. Teach them how to respond to basic commands:
Apart from sit, stay, come and heel, you can also teach your pup other basic commands such as ‘down’ (lie down), ‘leave it’ (ignore an object or person) and 'quiet' (stop barking). Teach them one command at a time and keep the sessions short so that they don't get overwhelmed.
4. Engage in positive reinforcement techniques:
Positive reinforcement is one of the most important training methods for dogs. Rewarding your pup with treats or verbal praise when he does something correctly encourages him to repeat this behavior in the future. Avoid punishing bad behaviors as this will only lead to confusion and may make your pup afraid of you.
5. Set achievable short-term goals:
When you begin training your pup, it’s important to set achievable short-term goals. This will make the process less overwhelming and help to keep your pup motivated. For example, start with teaching him how to sit for 30 seconds before moving on to more difficult commands like ‘stay’ or ‘come.
6. Practice regularly and consistently:
Consistency is key when it comes to dog training - be sure to stick with one method of teaching rather than trying different techniques all at once. Practice regularly (at least twice a day) and don't forget that positive reinforcement works best!
7. Don’t forget about the importance of mental stimulation:
To ensure that your pup stays engaged and interested in training, it’s important to provide them with mental stimulation. This can include activities such as scent games, puzzle toys and brain games that require your pup to remember commands and behaviors.
8. Reward your pup for good behaviour:
Finally, make sure you always reward your pup for good behaviour. Whether it’s a treat or verbal praise, rewarding correct behavior is an effective way of reinforcing learning and will help establish a strong bond between you and your furry friend.